Magnetic Prestressing for Hygienic Closure Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for applying screw caps to containers in beverage bottling plants face challenges in achieving effective cleaning and sterilization due to direct contact between spring elements and fixing elements, requiring partial disassembly for thorough hygiene.
Innovation Solution
A device using non-contact magnetic prestressing of fixing elements, which are guided by a bore in a receptacle, allowing for secure closure alignment and easy cleaning, with a magnetic preload force applied by permanent or electromagnets, and a flushing channel for improved hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring elements are used to prestress fixing elements directly, then the fixing elements can hold the closure securely, but the contact points between spring elements and fixing elements require complex cleaning and sterilization procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring element system with a magnetic field-based prestressing system. Magnets generate magnetic forces that prestress the fixing elements without physical contact, eliminating the contact points that require cleaning and sterilization while maintaining the securing function. This is achieved by positioning magnets such that their magnetic fields act on the fixing elements to apply the necessary prestressing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field serves as an intermediary between the magnets and the fixing elements, transmitting the prestressing force without requiring direct physical contact. This intermediary mechanism allows the prestressing function to be achieved while avoiding the creation of contact surfaces that would need to be cleaned and sterilized.
2Device complexity
If direct contact prestressing is used, then the structure is simple, but complete cleaning requires partial disassembly of the closing tool
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical contact-based prestressing system is replaced with a magnetic field-based system. The magnets are positioned to generate magnetic forces that act on the fixing elements through non-contact means, eliminating the need for disassembly during cleaning while maintaining structural functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact points between prestressing elements and fixing elements are extracted from the system by using magnetic fields instead of physical springs. This removal of contact interfaces eliminates the need for partial disassembly during cleaning operations, reducing cleaning time while maintaining the prestressing function.
3Ease of manufacture
If non-contact magnetic prestressing is used, then cleaning and sterilization become easier, but additional magnetic components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical spring elements with magnetic components (magnets) that provide prestressing through magnetic fields. While this adds magnetic components, it eliminates the complex cleaning requirements associated with mechanical contact points, achieving net simplification in the cleaning and sterilization process.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic components serve multiple functions: they generate the magnetic field for non-contact prestressing, and their positioning allows for simplified cleaning access. The same magnetic structure that provides the prestressing force also facilitates easier cleaning by eliminating contact surfaces, making the added complexity worthwhile.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables easier cleaning and sterilization by eliminating direct contact points, ensuring reliable closure alignment and secure holding without jamming, while maintaining improved hygienic properties.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one fixing element has a permanent magnet and is particularly preferably designed entirely as a permanent magnet with a corresponding geometric shape. On the fixing element comprising the permanent magnet, a prestressing force can then be applied without contact to the fixing element by the action of an external magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
at least one fixing element is pretensioned by a magnetic pretensioning force without contact into the receptacle and thus towards a closure accommodated in the receptacle
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The device (1) comprises a housing (2) that comprises a receptacle (3) which is adapted for receiving a screw-type closure. A fixing element (8) is projected and biased into the receptacle, for fixing the screw-type closure in the housing, and is prestressed contact-free. The fixing element is moved out against a magnetic biasing force of a biasing magnet (10) designed as a permanent magnet or as an electromagnet, from the housing. A flushing channel (60) through which flushing and/or sterilization medium is flushed, is provided between the biasing magnet and the fixing element.